Z  A  V 


THE 

SOLDIER'S   TEXT-BOOK. 

Soldiers  !  I  have  compiled  for  your 
use  this  small  "Pocket  Companion,'* 
consisting  of  a  few  Texts  selected  from 
the  Word  of  God. 

The  music  of  the  old  Sabbath  bell  of 
your  city  or  village  sanctuaries  is  now 
strange  to  you.  But  these  glorious  Bible- 
truths,  like  the  stars  of  heaven,  shine 
with  an  unchanged  and  eternal  luster  in 
all  climes.  They  can  prove  messengers 
of  peace  and  consolation  in  the  hospital- 
ward  or  in  the  bivouac,  as  well  as  ainid 
the  homes  of  your  happy  fatherland. 

Under  the  words  (as  a  motto-verse)  ot 
an  old  soldier  and  warrior-king,  who 
lived  3000  years  ago,  I  have  placed  a  verso 
for  meditation,  Morning  and  Evening. 
These,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  may  prove 
"crumbs  of  comfort" — food  for  your 
souls — when  duty,  or  danger,  or  weak- 

PS"  421  7 


aess,  may  preclude  more  lengthened 
/eading  or  continuous  thought. 

I  know  that  it  matters  not  by  whom 
your  bugles  are  sounded,  when  they  stir 
and  nerve  the  courage  of  thousands  on 
the  field  of  battle.  It  matters  not  by 
ivyliom  the  Highland  pibroch  sends  its 
shrilling  summons  to  the  hearts  of  my 
own  brave  countrymen — it  is  a  summons 
tieyer  sent  in  vain. 

Should  these  few  peaceful  notes  of  the 
u  Gospel-trumpet"  inspire  one  drooping 
spirit  among  you  with  confidence  or  hope, 
forgive  the  feebleness  ol  the  effort  on  my 
part,  and  to  God  give  all  the  glory  ! 


SOLDIER'S  TEXT-hlH) 


FIRST  MORNING  OF  MONTH. 

The    eternal  God   is  thy   refuge,  and 

neath  are  the  everlasting  awooS.— 

33:  27. 

The  floods  may  be  deep,  but 

the  everlasting  arms  are  deieyer, 

still.    The  infinite  necessities  of 

man  are  surpassed  by  the  Infinite 

.  and  succor,  and  comforts  o\' 

Groa.     When  he  gives,  it  is  "ex- 

ing  abundantly  above  all  that 

tn  ask  or  think.'' 

EVENING. 
Christ,  thi 

and  for  ever. — Hel>.  1 

Since!  left  friends,  and  kindred, 
.•nd    home,    strange    vicissitudes 
have  befallen  me  ;  but  here  is  one 
Friend  who  change th  not.     1 1 
ed  Jesus  !     Thou  art  infinite,  im- 
mutable!    Of  every  thing  e 
aid.  "They  shall  per 
"Thou  rem&iaefii.'lM 


6 


SECOND  MORNING. 

We  have  no  might  against  this  great 
company  that  cometh  against  us,  neither 
know  we  what  to  do :  but  our  eyes  are 
upon  thee.— 2  Chron.  20:  12. 

The  enemy  may  be  like  grass- 
hoppers for  multitude,  but  a 
breath  from  the  Almighty  is  able 
to  scatter  them  like  chaff  before 
the  whirlwind.  Give  us  help  from 
trouble,  Lord;  for  vain  is  the 
help  of  man.  "  The  battle  is  not 
ours,  but  God's." 

EVENING. 

Leave  thy  fatherless  children,  1  will 
preserve  them  alive,  and  let  thy  widows 
trust  in  me. — Jer.  49:  11. 

"  The  Lord  will  provide."  He 
will  be  a  Father  to  the  fatherless, 
and  a  Husband  to  the  widow. 
He  is  a  wise  Provider — a  kind 
Provider — a  rich  Provider.  With 
him  as  their  friend  and  portion, 
they  need  no  other. 


THIRD  MORNING. 
Christ  also  hath  once  suffered  for  sin-. 
the  just  for  the  unjust,    that  he  n. 
bring  us  unto  God. — 1  Peter  3  :  18. 

And  shall  I  murmur?  L  a 
sinner  deserving  nothing  but 
wrath,  justly  suffering,  when  he, 
the  innocent  Lamb  of  God,  mur- 
mured not  f  But  for  the  pains  of 
that  sinless,  spotless  Victim. 

ns  must  have  been  for  erer. 

EVENING. 

J  will  not  fail  thee,  nor  forsake  tl 

I    and    of  a   good    courage. — 
.   1  :  5,  6. 

What  an  argument  for  boldi 
in  the  day  of  Buffering  or  in  the 
hour  of  conflict!  'f&oct  is  for 
me:  who  can  be  against  me?" 
"  Through  God  we  shaft  do  vali- 
antly." "Though  he  slay  me. 
yet  will  I  trust  in  him." 


FOURTH  MORNING. 
Nevertheless    we,    according    to    his 
promise,   look  for  new  heavens  and  a 
new  earth   wherein    dwelleth  righteous 
ness.— 2  Peter  3:  13, 

Blessed  hope  !  beyond  this  sin  - 
-.iricken,  woe-worn  world,  there 
is  a  heaven  of  u  righteousness." 
It  is  secured  to  me  by  the  promise 
of  a  God  that  can  not  lie.  Am. 
J  -looking"  for  it?  am  I  readv 
tor  it? 

EVENING. 

This  is  a  faithful  saying,  an«l  worthy 
of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus  came 
into  the  world  to  save  sinners. — 1  Tim. 
1:  15. 

This  brief  verse  preaches  to  me 
a  whole  Gospel.  §  Jesus,  a  Saviour 
for  the  chief  of  sinners  !  Resting 
my  weary  soul  on  such  a  golden 
saying,  I  am  resigned  to  suffer; 
I  am  prepared  to  die. 


TJi   MORNIN 
Th<  re  great  and  fenced  : 

■•  Lor<l  will  be  with  me,  then  I 
le  to  drive  them  out.  a*  the 
-Josh,  1<:  12.      * 
••  Who  will  brino-  mc  into  the 
-troDg  city?  .   .    .   Wflt  not  thou, 

k>d?"     Let  me  feel  this  b. 
'■d   confidence   in    thy   pres 
and  help.     Xo  power  of  man  can 
with  .stand  thy  might    "  The  I . 
gave  the  word.  ...   Kings  of  ar- 
-  did  flee  apace." — Ps.  68:  1 2 

i:  VEX  IN 
Veril)  I 
irth.-  -:11. 

What   a    mournful    reflection 
v«  »uld  it  be  were  there  "  no  Go 
-were  all  that  is   now  befall 

e  result  of  accident  and 
Jut  there  is  One  on  high  rn1 
:mong  the  nations,  who  u  judget  1 1 
ighteousjud.  lord 

:ieth;  let  the  earth  be  glafl 


10 


SIXTH  MORNING. 

The  children  of  Judah  prevailed  be- 
cause they  relied  upon  the  Lord  God  of 
their  fathers.— 2  Chron.  13 :  18. 

Let  this  be' my  confidence  in 
the  hour  of  battle :  I  rely  on  "  mv 
fathers'  God."  "Our  fathers 
trusted  in  thee,  0  God !  they 
trusted,  and  thou  didst  deliver 
them."  "  This  God  shall  be  our 
God  for  ever  and  ever.'* 

EVENING. 

The  prayer  of  faith  will  save  the 
sick. — James  5  :  15. 

Am  I  now  laid  on  a  sick  bed  ? 
the  prayer  of  faith  is  still  omni- 
potent to  save  me.  If  it  be  thy 
will,  0  God,  let  not  this  sickness 
be  "  unto  death."  ,  Nevertheless, 
' '  not  my  will,  but  thine,  be  done. ' ' 
I  put  my  case  into  the  hands  of 
the  Great  Physician,  and  leave  it- 
there. 


11 


SEVENTH  MORNING. 
Hereby  perceive  we  the   love   of  God, 
because  he  laid  down  his  life  for  us. — 
1  John  3:  16. 

What  a  love  was  this  !  I  may 
be  called  in  battle  to  lay  down 
ray  life  in  fighting  for  ray  friends. 
He  laid  down  his  life  in  fighting 
for  his  enemies.  After  such  a 
pledge  of  his  love,  1  may  well 
trust  his  faithfulness  in  all  that 
Wfalls  me. 

EVENING. 
And  he,  being  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
looked  up  steadfastly  into   heaven,  and 
saw  the  glory  of  God,  and  Jesus  standing 
on  the  right  hand  of  God. — Acts  7 :  55. 

Blessed  Jesus  !  let  me  be  living 
by  faith  on  thee  now,  that,  should 
I  be  hurried  into  sudden  death.  I 
may  also  behold  thee  waiting  to 
welcome  me  to  thy  kingdom,  and 
be  ready,  tyke  thy  servant,  to 
"fall  asleep." 


12 


EIGHTH  MORNING. 
will  swallow  up  death  in  victory.— 

,  h  25:  8. 

Blessed  consummation !  Tito 
worst  evil  I  can  fear  is  death; 
and  yet,  if  I  be  a  true  believer,— 
;.  subject  of  grace  and  an  heir  of 
glory, — the  hour  of  death  Is 
changed  into  the  hour  of  victory. 
Thanks  be  to  God,  who  givetli 
me  the  victory  through  the  tbrcl 
Jesus  Christ. 

EVENING. 

The  Lord  will  give  strength  unto  his 
i-eople;  the  Lord  will  bless  his  people 
with  peace. — Psalm  29  :  11. 

" Strength"  and  " peace  " — the 
two  things  I  most  need — strength 
to  bear  and  to  suffer ;  peace  in  the 
midst  of  much  to  cause  uneasi- 
ness and  pain.  God  promises 
both  ;  he  gives  grace  equal  to  the 
hour  of  trial.  •"  As  thy  days,  so 
shall  thv  strength  be." 


18 


NINTH  UoKM.\ 
To  depart  and  be  with  Christ,  which  Is 
letter.— Phil.  1:  21 

Better  indeed!  if  so  the  will  of 
be.     Away    from    sorrow. 
suffering,  sin.     I  desire  to  have 
no  trust  in  a  dying  hour,  but  itt 
a    dying-,     cver-livin  our! 

Christ3  and  Christ  only,  is  in  me 
c<  the  hope  ofgloiy." 


EVENING, 
mountains   are   round  about 
I'M.,  so  the  Lord  is  round  about 
his,  people    from    henceforth;   even    for 
cn-i-r.— Psalm  121. 


What  aiv  the  most  impregnable 
trth's  bulwark^,  in  comn 
son.  with  the  security  of  the  ever- 
lastu  ant:  and  my  securi 

ty,  if  lam  indeed   a  believer  in 
Jesus 


14 


TENTH  MORNING. 

1  know  their  sorrows. — Exodus  3:  7. 

Jesus  speaks  here  !  He  knows 
my  sorrows,  for  be  has  felt  them ! 
Abi  I  now  suffering  pain,  bowed 
down  with  bodily  weakness,  or 
harassed  with  anticipated  trial  ? 
--let  me  think  of  Him  who  with 
tender  sensitiveness  can  enter  and 
does  enter  into  every  pang  that 
rends  the  heart ! 

EVENING. 
1  know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  am 
persuaded  that  he  is  able  to  keep  that 
which    I?  have    committed  unto     him 
against  that  day. — 2  Tim.  1 :  12. 

What  a  glorious  creed  f  Jiy 
30ul,  is  it  thine  ?  Truly  I  need 
not  dread  "  battle,  or  murder,  or 
sudden  death,  "  if  I  have  such  a 
helmet  as  this — "  the  hope  of  salva- 
tion!'9 


15 


ELEVENTH   MORNING. 
The  Lord  thy  God  walketh  in  the  midst 
"fthy  camp  to  deliver  thee,  and  to  give  up 
thine  enemies  before  thee. — Deut.  23:  14. 

What  a  Sentinel  is  here  !  The 
pillar-cloud  of  Jehovah's  presence 
with  me  by  day,  the  pillar  of  fire 
by  night.  The  thought  may  well 
soothe  me  in  pain,  animate  me 
in  duty,  and  prepare  me  for  trial. 
"  God  is  in  the  midst  of  her ;  she 
shall  not  be  moved :  God  shall 
help  her,  and  that  right  early." 

EVENING. 
Him  that  cometh  to  me  I  will  in   no 
wise  cast  out. — John  6:  37. 

He  might  long  ere  now  have 
cast  me  off  for  ever.  How  won- 
drous his  patience  !  A  poor,  wor- 
thless cumberer  spared !  At  thifl 
hour  the  golden  gates  of  mercy 
are  still  open — God  is  waiting  to 
be  gracious. 


16 


TWELFTH  MOKNING. 

0  my  Father,  if  tliis  cup  may  not  pass 
away  from  me  except  I  drink  it,  thy  will 
be  done.— Matt.  26:  42. 

Every  cup  is  put  into  our  hands 
by  God.  He  has  some  gracious 
end  in  mingling  it.  How  sooth- 
ing to  cherish  the  Saviour's  spirit 
of  meek  submission  !  He  is  umy 
Father.'*  That  word  may  well 
lull  every  misgiving  and  fear  ! 

EVENING. 
Blessed  is  he  whose  transgression    is 
forgiven,  whose  sin  is  covered- — Psalm 
32:  I. 

Do  I  know  this  blessedness  ' 
.Have  I  fleet  to  the  Lord  Jesus  as 
my  only  Saviour  ?  Do  I  feel  that 
all  the  transgressions  of  my  past 
life  are  in  him  freely  forgiven  ? 
What  a  sustaining  hope  is  this 
for  a  living — what  a  smooth  pil- 
low for  a  dying  hour  ! 


17 


THIRTEENTH  MORNING. 
The  Lord  reigneth.     Psalm — 97:1. 

Sublime  thought !  The  reins  of 
universal  government  in  God's 
hand.  All  that  befalls  me  de- 
creed by  him.  "  Man  proposeth, 
but  God  disposeth. "  "  Shall  not 
the  Judge  of  all  the  earth  do 
right  ?  " 

K  VEXING. 

I  am  poor  and  needy,  yet  the  Lord 
thinketh  on  me. — Psalm  40  :  17. 

Many  distant  and  beloved  rela- 
tions and  friends  are  now  "think- 
ing on  me ;"  the  reflection  cheers 
and  revives  my  spirit.  A  migh- 
tier than  human  friend  is  doing 
the  same.  An  eye  in  heaven  is 
watching  me,  and  a  heart  in  heav- 
en is  feeling  for  me.  •'  The  Lord 
is  very  pitiful,  and  of  tender 
mercy !" 


18 


FOURTEENTH    MORNING. 
".All  the  paths  of  the   Lord  are  mercy 
and  truth  unto  such  as  keep  his  covenant 
and  his  testimonies. — Psalm  25:  10 

It  may  not  seem  so  ;  at  present, 
mine  may  be  a  path  ofperplexity 
and  pain,  toil  and  weariness;  but 
God  has  some  wise  end  in  all  his 
leadings.  He  will  guide  me  by 
a  right  way.  Let  me  trust  him  if 
I  can  not  trace  him. 

EVENING. 

Thou  hast  been  a  shelter  for  me,  and 
a  strong  tower  from  the  enemy. — Psalm 
61 :  3. 

There  is  no  greater  argument 
for  trusting  in  God  for  the  future, 
than  remembering  his  kindness 
and  faithfulness  in  the  past. 
"  Thou  hast  been  my  help  ;  leave 
me  not,  neither  forsake  me,  0 
God  of  my  salvation/1 


19 


FIFTEENTH  MORNING. 

And  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from 

their  eyes  ;  and  there  shall  be  no  more 

«,  neither  sorrow  nor  crying  ;  neither 

.-hall  there  be  any  more  pain,  for  the  for 

mer  things  are  passed  away. — Kev.  21:  4. 

Happy  prospect !  when  I  shall 

forget  my  present   itching  hours, 

this    tacked    body  and  weaned 

spirit,  and  be    ushered    into   the 

brightjwn8hiiieofatearless,pain- 

sdrrowless  world.     "Oh  that 

T  had  wings  like  dove,  for  then 

would  I  flee  away  and  be  at  rest/' 

EVENING. 

[nmy  FYtther'a  house  are  many  man 
sions.— John  1  ) 

The  home  of  earth  1  may  ne- 
ver see  again  :  the  music  of 
earthly  home-voices  may  never 
again  greet  my  ears  ;  but  I  have 
a  Father's  home  in  heavan,  where 
-uttering  and  siu  shall  never  more 
either    felt  or  feared.     Lord, 


20 


teach  me,  as  a  pilgrim   here,   to 
"  desire  "  this  "  Better  Country." 

SIXTEENTH  MOttNING* 
We  may  boldly  say,  The  Lord  is  my  hel- 
per, and  I  will  not  fear  what  man  shall 
do  unto  me. — Heb  13  :  6. 

What  a  glorious  motto   in  a 
time  of  trouble !  The  power  of 
man  is  finite ;  it  can  go  no  furth- 
er than    Omnipotence  permits. 
But  the  resources  of  God  are  in- 
finite,    "What  time  I  am  afraid 
I  will  trust  in  thee!" 
EVENING. 
The  shields  of  the  earth  belong  unto 
God.— Psalm  47  ;  9* 

I  adore  thy  sovereignty,  0  thou 
Governor  among  nations!  Kings, 
princes,  and  monarchs,  are  in  thy 
hand.  What  a  comfort  to  feel  as- 
sured that  no  enemy  is  allowed  to 
go  further  than  thou  permittest ! 
44  The  Lord  sitteth  upon  the  floods, 
yea, the  Lord  sitteth  King  forever. ' 


21 


SEVENTEENTH  MORNING- 
Draw  nigh   to  God,  and  he   will  draw 
nigh  to  you. — Tames  4;  8. 

What  an  encouragement  to  the 
faint  and  weary  soul,  when  home 
is  distant,  friends  absent,  foes  2r 
round,  heart  and  flesh  failing, 
that  the  Friend  of  all  friends  is  ever 
near  !  "I  will  call  upon  the  Lord, 
who  worthy  to  be  praised.  So  shall 
I  be  saved  from   mine  enemies." 

EVENING. 
Thou  which  hast  showed  me  great  and 
sore  troubles  .^halt  Quicken   me   again, 
;iih1  .-halt  bring   me  up   again  from  the 
depths  of  the  earth.— Psalm  71  :  20. 

1  shall  rest  in  this  gracious  as- 
>u  ranee.  I  may  have  been  re- 
cently brought  to  the  brink  of 
destruction — "verily  a  step  be- 
'i  me  and  death  !"  But  I  am 
still  spared,  a  miracle  of  mercy. 
Lord,  make  me  also  a  miracle  erf 
ce. 


20- ■ 

EIGHTEENTH  MORNING. 

We  know  that  all  things  work  togeth- 
er for  good  to  them  that  love  God,  to 
them  who  are  the  called  according  to  his 
purpose.— Rom.  8  :  28. 

Am  I  called  of  God  ?  Am  I 
conscious,  however  feebly,of  lov- 
ing him  ?  Then  whatever  befalls 
me  is,  in  a  way  I  can  not  perhaps 
at  .present  understand,  combining 
for  my  good.  In  heaven,  I  shall 
see  and  acknowledge  that  all  was 
meant  so,  and  tyas  so. 

EVENING. 
Thus  saith  the  Lord,  thy  Redeemer, 
the  Holy  One  of  Israel :  I  am  the  Lord 
thy  God  which  teacheth  thee  to  profit, 
which  leadeth  thee  by  the  way  that  thou 
shouldst  go. — Isaiah  48 :  17. 

"\Yhat  are  the  present  teachings 
of  my  God— lessons  enforced  "by 
terrible  things  in  righteousness  "? 
He  would  teach  me  to  repose  in 
him  as  my  Helper  in  trouble  ;  to 
to  live  from  hour  to  hour  in  prep- 


23 


aration  for  cL  d  to  put  all 

my  trust  in  the    merits  of  that 
Saviour,  who  "  hath   borne   nay- 
is  and  carried  my  sorrows." 
NINETEENTH  MORNING. 
With  him  is  an  arm  of  flesh,  but  with 
Lord  our  God,  to  help   us,  and 
ht  our  battles.— 2  Chron.  32:  8. 

What  a  comfort^  the  assurance 
that  ihere  is  a  God  "judging 
righteously,"'  who  "girdeth  us 
i  unto  the  battle"! 
others  boast  in  their  "arm 
of  flesh,"  "  but  we  will  remember 
the  name  of  the  Lord  our  God.'' 

EVENING. 

Who  shall  separate  us  from   the   love 
■  ,i  Christ?— Ro< 

Nothing  will!  Nothing  can  !  I. 
may  be  Operated  from  friends, 
comrades,  home,  all  I  most  love 
on  earth;  but  thou,  O  We 
Redeemer,  art  always  at  my  side. 
Even    if  death  should  overtake 


24 


me,  it  can  not  sever  from  thee. 
Thine  is  a  love,strongas  death,sur- 
vivingdeath,enduring  as  eternity. 

TWENTIETH  MORNING. 

The  name  of  the  Lord  is  a  strong  tow- 
er; the  righteous  runneth  into  it,  and  is 
safe.— Prov.  18 :  10. 

Every  attribute  of  His  nature 
is  a  strong  bulwork  in  this  tower 
— everlasting  love,  power,  wis- 
dom, truth,  faithfulness.  "  Thou 
wilt  keep  him,  O  God,  in  perfect 
peace  whose  mind  is  stayed  on 
theee." 

EVENING. 

Though  I  walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble 
thou  wilt  revive  me. — Psalm  138:  7. 

May  such,  Lord,  be  my  expe- 
rience. I  am  walking  in  the 
midst  of  trouble — without  are 
fightings,  within  are  fears.  "Wilt 
thou  not  revive  me?"  "It  is 
better  to  trust  in  the  Lord  than 
to  put  confidence  in  man." 


25 

TWENTY-FIRST  MORNING. 

I  am  he  that  liveth,  and  was  dead ; 
and,  behold,  I  am  alive  for  evermore. 
Amen  ;  and  have  the*  keys  of  hell  and  of 
death.— Rev.  1 :  18. 

The  keys  of  the  grave  and  death 
are  in  the  hands  of  Him  who 
died  for  me,  who  lives  for  me,  who 
pleads  for  me.  and  (if  I  am  suffer- 
ing) who  feels  for  me.  With  such 
an  assurance,whetherlife  or  death 
be  in  my  cup,  all   must  be  well ! 

EVENING. 
Fear  not,  thou  worm  Jacob,   ai 
men  of  Israel:   I  will  help  thee  eaith  the 
Lord,  and  thy  Redeemer,  the    Ho! 
of  fcrael. — Isaiah  41  i   14. 

What  a  comforting  promise  ! — 
•  Worm,1'  man  in  hia  weakn 
"  Jacob"  the  believer   staron^   in 
his   covenant    security!     "V 
not!"  Why?  I   am    Jehovah. 
am  lh\    Rem  I  am   a  Holy 

(iod.     lam  the    Cod  of  Jsrad, 
and  ae  such  "  I  will  help  t 


26 

TWENTY-SECOND  MORNING. 

My  God  shall  supply  all  your  need, 
according  to  his  riches  in  glory  bv  Christ 
Jesus.— Phil.  4:  19.'. 

My  need  is   mfinite,   but  my 
help  is  infinite  ;  a  wise  Provider, 
a  kind  Provider,  an  almighty  Pro- 
vider,— and  all  in  Jesus  I 
EVENING. 

In  the  time  of  trouble  he  shall  hide 
me  in  his  pavillion  ;  in  the  secret  of  his 
tabernacle  he  shall  hide  me  ;  he  shall 
set  me  up  upon  a  rock. — Psalm  27  :  5. 

Lord,  hide  me  in  the  clefts  of 
the  Rock  of  Ages  until  the  indig- 
nation be  overpast !  Thy  presence 
and  love  are  never  so  precious  as 
.  in  the  time  of  trouble.  0.  God 
of  hosts,  blessed  is  the  man  that 
trusteth  in  thee  ! 

TWENTY-THIRD  MORNING. 

He  hath  torn,  and  he  will  heal  us  ;  he 
,  hath  smitten,  and  he   will   bind  us  up. 
Hosea  6:1. 

What  a  comfort  to  see  no  other 
hand  but  thine,   0    God,   in   all 


that  be  tails  me  !  Men  may  s 

being  drawn  at  a 
venture,"  but  the  arrow's  path 
was  marked  outlay  th  .'  1  adore 
thy  sovereignty  !  I  rejoice  in  tby 
mercy  !  Thou  ha.st  torn — Thou 
'.  Thou  canst  heal — 
canst  hind! 

KNIXC. 
Surely  he  hath  borne   our   irrieis    am" 
carried  our  sorrow?. — Isaiah  :">?> :  4. 

a  I   now  a  great    sufferer  : 
What,  after  all,    .  luring: 

<)iih  ripples  in  the  tide  ot 

woe.     WTiereas  iny  Saviour  has 
•  home,  and    home   for  ?/>e,  all  the 
ad  billows  of  wrath  !    L. 
iparison  with  Ms,  mine  surely 
Mictions.' 
TWENTY-FOURTB  MORNING. 
The  Lord  i~  good,  a  stronghold  ii 
day  of  trouble,   and   he    knowoth  til  em 
that  trust  in  him. — Nahum  1  :    7. 

God  is   (ji  !    is   strong — 

Iful.     What  a  bl 


28    • 

threefold  link  in  the  chain  of 
divine  comfort !  It  is  in  the  day 
trouble  he  delights  more  espe- 
cially to  manifest  his  goodness. 
As  an  earthly  father  loves  his 
child  most  in  its  hour  of  sickness 
and  pain,  so  with  my  Father  in 
heaven — '  He  knows  my  soul  in 
adversities." 

EVENING. 

Yet  a  little  while,  and  he  that  shall 
come  will  come,  and  will  not  tarry.- — 
Keb.  10:  37. 

6  A  little  while  !'  and  then  sor- 
row, suffering,  tears,  death,  sin, 
will  be  known  ijo  more  !  Let  me 
compose  myself  to  'sleep,  or  rest 
my  aching  head  on  its  pillow, with 
the  joyous  thought,  *  Soon  to  be 
with  Christ,  and  that  for  ever  and 
ever!' 

TWENTY-FIFTH  MORNING. 

And  he  hath  on  his  vesture  and  on 
his  thigh  a  name  written.  King  of  kings 
and  Lord  of  lorde.-Rev.  19:  16. 


00 


All  the  plans,  purposes,  de- 
signs, of  the  monarchs  of  the 
earth,  are  under  the  control  o; 
this  King  of  kings  !  He  is  using 
them  as  instruments  for  the  pro- 
motion of  his  own  cause  and  glo- 
ry. Christ  holds  the  '  seven  stars 
in  his  right  hand.'  Tie  is  King 
of  his  church.  He  is  King  of 
nations ! 

EVENING. 
The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  thorn  that   call 
upon  him,  to  all  that  call    upon  him  in 
truth.— Psalm  34:  18. 

Prayer  has  lost  none  of  its  effi- 
cacy! When  other  help  and 
hope  is  gone,  when  the  enemy  is 
coming  in  like  a  ffood,  how  com- 
forting to  think  that  '  the  Lord 
on  high  is  mightier  than  the  noise 
of  many  waters  '!  This  is  his  own 
recorded  promise,  "Call  upon  nie 
in  day  of  trouble,  I  will  deliver 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me." 


30 


TWENTY-SIXTH  MORNING. 
If  we  confess   our  sins,  he  is  faithful 
and  just  to  forgive   us  our  sins,  and   to 
cleans  us  from  all    unrighteousness. —  I 
John  1:  9. 

Do  1  feel  my  sins  the  sorest  of 
\aj  wounds,  the  bitterest  of  my 
trials?  My  Grocl  is  waiting  to  for- 
give and  forget  them  all !  He  is 
faithful  to  do  so — heis  just  to  do  so. 
He  is  as  able  as  he  is  willing,  and 
s  willing  as  he  is  able  to  save  ! 

EVENING. 

He  maketh  wars  to  cease  unto  the  end 
of  the  earth.— Psalm  46  :  9. 

Thort,  Lord  !  alone  canst  stem 
the  tide  of  passion,  sheathe  the 
sword  of  war,  and  make  the  wrath 
of  man.  to  praise  thee!  Oh,  hasten 
that  happy  time  when  'violence 
shall  no  more  be  heard ;'  when 
'  nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword 
against  nation,  neither  shall  they 
learn  war  anv  more.' 


31 


TWENTY-SEVENTH   MORNING. 

Casting  all  your  care  upon  him,  for  he 
careth  for  vou. — 1  Peter  5:  7. 

"He  careth  !  "     The  great  Be 
ing  who  counts  the  number  of  the 
-.  numbers  all  my  woes,  and 
pain-,  and  sorrows  !     Whatmul 
tiplied  proofs  lie  has  given  in  the 
e   careth  for  me  "  ! 
well   confide  to  him  the 
■'  unknown  to-morrow.' 

BNING. 
The  Lord  also  will  be  ;t  refuge  for  the 

oppressed,  a   refuge  in  times  of  trouble. 
And  they   that  know  thy  name   will  put 
their  trust  in  thee  ;  for  thou,  Lord, 
not   forsaken    them  that    seek    thee.- 
Psalm 0:  9,  In. 

Do  I  tlin-  'know''  the  name 
"1*  God  '.'  [1  18  a  bulwark  of 
81  pefigtfi  to  all  his  people.  What 
what  faithfulness  ! 
what  power!  what  love!  Shelter- 
ed here,  T  am  *'.i\\> — 1  am  happy  i 


32 


TWENTY-EIGHTH  MORNING. 

When  thou  passest through  the  waters, 
1  will  be  with  thee;  and  through  the 
rivers,  they  shall  not  overflow  thee; 
when  thou  walkeet  through  the  fire,  thou 
shalt  not  be  burned ;  neither  shall  the 
flame  kindle  upon  thee. — Isaiah  43 :  2. 

"Waters,"  "streams,"  "floods," 
* '  rivers, "  "  fire . ' '  How  manifold 
are  the  trials  of  God's  people ! 
But  he  has  promised  to  be  with 
them  in  all,  and  to  bear  them 
through  all. 

EVENING. 

Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord  ;  trust 
also  in  him,  and  he  shall  bring  it  to 
pass. — Psalm  37 :  5. 

Is  my  way  dark — hedged  up 
with  thorns  ?  Let  me  repose  in 
God.  My  times  are  in  his  hand. 
I  could  not  wish  them  in  other 
or  better.  "  0  Lord  of  hosts, 
blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth 
in  thee." 


TWESTJ  B   MORNING. 

!ezer.    hitherto    hath    the     I 

Can    I.   too,    not   set   up   this 

ne  of  remembrktice  "  r    How 

lurtiplied  have  been  the  tokens 

mIs  goodnessi!     The  past  is 

tied  with    monuments    and 

memorials  of  lpve,  and  patience, 

,ind  forbearance.     "  What  shall 

r  render  unto    the    Lord    for    all 

i  refits  toward  i 

KVKN'IXC 
The  khig'B  heart  is  in  the  hand  of  the 
as  the  river?  of  water :  lie  turn. 
raoever  he  will.— Pr<m  21:  1. 

Era  of  the  earth  may  set 
iselves,  and  rulers  may  take 
ether,    against    the 
But  a  word,  a  look,  from 
bring  the   counsel  of 
heathen  to  riUught,  and  m 
the  devices  of  the  people  of  i 
effect.*'      " Arise,    0    God,   and 
iilead  thine  own  car. 


34 

THIRTIETH  MORNING. 

If,  when  ye  do  well,  and  suffer  for  it, 
ye  take  it  patiently,  this  is  acceptable 
with  God.— 1  Peter  2  :  20. 

How  God  loves  the  grace  of 
patience' — unmurmuring  submis- 
sion to  his  appointments  !  'Not 
regarding  him  as  a  hard  master; 
but  feeling,  even  when  our  trials 
seem  severe,  how  light  and  trivial 
they  are  in  comparison  with  what 
our  sins  have  deserved. 
EVENING. 

Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley 
of  the  shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no 
evil ;  for  thou  art  with  me  ;  thy  rod  and 
thy  staff  thy  comfort  me. — Psalm  23  :  4. 

This  may  ere  long  be  my  ex- 
perience. Lord  Jesus,  support 
me  in  my  conflict  with  the  "last 
enemy. ' '  Thou  hast  thyself  trod- 
den the  Valley  of  Death.  Thou 
hadst  no  friend  to  guide  thee 
through.  But  "  thy  rod  and  thy 
staff" — yea,  thine  own  presence 
— are  pledged  to  comfort  me ! 


TH1KTY-FIRST  MORNING. 

For  thou  hast  been  a  strength  to  the 
poor,  a  strength  to  the  needy  in  his  dis- 
tress, a  refuge  from  the  storm,  a  shadow 
t'rom  the  heat,  when  the  blast  of  the 
terrible  ones  is  as  a  storm  against  the 
wall.— Isaiah  25:  4. 

What  is  the  blast  of  the  terrible 
ones  when  I  have  such  a  "  strong 
tower  "  as  this  ?  "  Behold,  God 
himself  is  with  us  for  our  Cap- 
tain. "  "Help  us,  0  Lord  our 
^od  !  for  we  rest  on  thee  !  " — 2 
( Irron.  14:  11. 

EVENING. 

Thereshallbenonightthere.-Rev.21:  26. 

Soon  the  last  shadow  of  life's 
long  night  of  weeping  shall  have 
passed  away  for  ever !  In  an  un- 
sinning  and  unsorrowing  heaven, 
war,  tumult,  pain,  sickness,  battle, 
bloodshed,  shall  be  words  un- 
known. "  Watchman,  what  of 
the  night  ?  Watchman,  what  of 
the  night  ?     The  morning  comet h . ' ' 


m 

\ 

MORNING  PRAYER. 

0  Lord !  thou  art  great,  and 
greatly  to  be  feared  :  thy  great- 
ness is  unsearchable !  Thou  doesl 
according  to  thy  will  in  the  armies 
of  heaven  and  among  the  inhab- 
itants of  the  earth.  None  can. 
stay  thy  h an d  from  working ;  none 
dare  say  unto  thee,  What  doest 
thou? 

1  bless  thee  that  though  thou 
art  the  greatest  of  all  beings, 
thou  art  also  the  kindest  and  best 
of  all.  Thou  art  in  Christ  wait- 
ing to  be  gracious  ;  not  willing 
that  any  should  perish,  but  that 
all  should  come  unto  thee  and 
live.  I  desire  on  this,  the  morn- 
ing of  a  new  day,  to  confess  at 
the  footstool  of  thy  throne  my 
many  sins,  in  all  their  heinous- 
ness  and  aggravation .  Blot  them 
out  of  the.  book  of  thy  remein- 


brauce,  that  they  may  not  r:-e  up 
in   judgmenl    to   condemn    me. 
Enable  me   to   love  thee   n 
and  to  serve  thee  better.     Vf 
1'aitht'ul  to  my  duties  as  an  < 

►Idier,  may  itbe  my  highest 
ambition  to  1    soldier 

of  Jesus  Chri 

fth,    and   to 
hold  on  eternai  life/' 

ide,  guard,  protect  me  this 

rye   my  body    from 

oui  from  sin.     11 

is  thou,  Lord 'only  who  make-' 

me  to  dwell  in  safety. 

Bless  my  rulers  and  count 
88    my  "brother    soldiers  ami 
officers.     Prosper  our  arm 

and  land,  and  in  a  righteous 
cause   do   thou    lead    us   on  to 
ory. 
Take  all   my   <lear   Mends 
home  under  thine  especial  eare. 


38 


Give  thine  angels  charge  over 
them  to  encamp  round  about 
them,  and  bear  them  up  in  all 
their  ways.  Number  them  with 
thy  saints  in  glory  everlasting. 
These,  and  all  other  needful 
blessings,  I  ask  in  the  name  and 
for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  my 
only  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 

EVENING  PRAYER. 
0  God !  I  desire  to  draw  near 
into  thy  gracious  presence  this 
evening,  adoring  and  praising 
*hee  for  the  protecting  care  thou 
hast  exercised  toward  me  during 
another  day.  I  am  from  day  to 
day  a  pensioner  on  thy  bounty. 
From  thee  I  derive  every  com- 
fort and  blessing.  I  rej  oice  in  the 
thought  that  "the  Lord  God 
omnipotent  reigneth,  "  and  that 
all  that  befalls  me  is  appointed 


39 


by  thee  in  infinite  wisdom  and 
love. 

It  is  my  earnest  prayer  that  I 
may  be  united  by  a  living  faith 
to  the  Saviour.  I  rejoice  to  think 
of  the  fullness  and  all-sufficiency 
of  his  great  salvation.  Oh,  wash 
out  all  my  transgressions  in  his 
precious  blood  !  As  I  lie  down 
to  rest  this  night,  may  I  have  the 
blessed  assurance  that  I  am  at 
peace  with  thee. 

Lord,  sanctify  me  wholly.  May 
all  thy  present  discipline  lead 
me  nearer  thyself.  Whether  I 
live,  may  I  live  nnto  the  Lord  : 
and  whether  I  die,  may  I  die  un- 
to the  Lord ;  living  or  dying  may 
I  be  thine. 

Bless  all  near  and  dear  to  me. 
May  my  beloved  friends  at  a  dist- 
ance experience  thy  love,  and 
sympathy,  and  care.    They  never 


40 


be  distant  from  thee,  thou 
c  ver-present  God.  Guide  them, 
protect  them,  comfort  them.  If 
I  should  never  again  meet  them 
on  earth,  may  we  meet  in  that 
better  world  where  parting  is  un- 
known. 

Bless  all  my  fellow-soldiers ; 
may  they  ever  esteem  it  their 
highest  duty  to  fear  God,  while 
they  honor  their  rulers.  Support 
the  weak,  restore  the  wounded, 
sustain  the  dying.  It  is  thou, 
Lord,  only,  who  tightest  our  bat- 
tles for  us.  Do  thou  crown  our 
efforts  with  victory.  "  Through 
God  we  shall  do  valiantly,  for  he 
it  is  that  shall  tread  down  our 
enemies.' ' 

Hear  these  my  humble  suppli- 
ations;  and  all  I  ask  is  for  Jesus' 
c*ake.     Amen. 


41 
A  SOLDIERS  PKAY: 

BATTLE. 

t )  God  !  I  desire  to  come  to 

I   of  thy  throne   in   this 

solemn   hour,    rejoicing    in  thk 

•  •  that   "the   Lord  God 

omnipotent  reigueth,"'  and  that 

of  the  earth"' 
only  thine.  I  beseech  thee  merci- 
ngthen  me  for  every 
Cover  my  head  in 
the  day  of  battle.  Inspire  me 
with  all  needful  courage  in  a 
L-ighteoua  cause.  '  Let  me  feel 
the  precious  convicti  >n  that  life 
and  death  are  in  thy  hand.  "  Ti 
O  Lord,  art  a  shield  for  me,  my 
glor.  he  lifter   up  of  my 

head."     (Ps.iii. 

Do  thou  conduct  our  valiant 
troops  to  victory !  "Some  trust 
in  chariots,  and  some   in  ho 


42 


but  we  will  remember  the  name 
of  the  Lord  our  God." 

I  earnestly  entreat  thee  that, 
through  the  merits  of  thy  dear 
Son,  all  my  many  sins  may  be 
forgiven.  If  death  should  over- 
take me  in  the  field,  may  I  die  at 
peace  with  thee ;  reposing  in. the 
gracious  assurance  that  Jesus  is 
"able  to  save  unto  the  uttermost." 
IBless  all  my  comrades,  have 
mercy  on  their  souls.  Impart  to 
them  also  devoted  and  unflinch- 
ing courage  in  the  hour  of  con- 
flict. 

I*would  more  especially  plead 
with  thee  in  behalf  of  my  beloved 
relations  at  a  distance.  If  thou 
in  thy  sovereignty  shouldst  ordain 
that  this  be  my  last  prayer  for 
them,  do  thou,  who  art  the 
"Father  of  the  fatherless,  the 
husband  of  the  widow,  " — better 


43 


than  the  best  and  dearest  of  earth  - 
\y  friends, — be  their  comforter, 
snstainer,  protector,  and  guide. 
Oh,  never  leave  and  never  for- 
sake them  ! 

Lord,  my  hope  is  in  thee.  I 
will  go  fearlessly  in  the  strength 
of  the  Lord  God.  Keep  me  in 
the  hollow  of  thy  hand.  Hide 
me  under  the  shadow  of  thy 
wings.  May  the  Lord  of  hosts 
be  with  us ;  may  the  God  of  Jacob 
be  our  refuge.     Amen. 

PRAYER  OF  A  WOUNDED 
80LD3LER. 

0  God,  draw  near  to  me  in  the 
multitude  of  thy  mercies.  Pity 
m  v  sufferings,  relieve  my  distress, 
bind  up  my  wounds.  Thy  hand 
is  never  shortened  that  it  can  not 
save.  Do  thou  bring  me  back 
from  the  gates  of  death,    that  I 


44 


may  once  more  be  among  the 
living  to  praise  thee.  Sanctify- 
all  thy  dealings  to  my  soul.  May 
I  be  led  to  know  more  and  more 
of  the  preciousness  of  Christ,  and 
oi  his  great  salvation ;  and,  if  it 
be  thy  blessed  will  to  spare  me, 
may  the  life  prolonged  by  thy 
bounty  be  given  to  thy  service. 

I  pray  for  all  my  fellow-suffer- 
ers. Lord,  ease  their  pains. 
Grant  them  relief  under  severe 
bodily  anguish.  Give  to  them 
*  and  to  me  patience  to  bear  what- 
ever thy  hand  has  laid  upon  us. 
May  we,  in  the  midst  of  our  suf- 
ferings, remember  him  who,  as 
our  Redeemer,  suffered  infinitely 
greater  anguish  for  us.  Prepare 
my  dying  comrades  for  death. 
Fit  them  for  their  eternal  change. 
I  pray  for  my  beloved  relatives 
mid  friends  at  home.     The  Lord 


15 


h   between    them    and    me 

when  we   ate   absent   one  from 

her.     Let   them    know   that 

rhou  art  faithful  wh'o  hast  promis- 

•  Twill  never  leave  thee  nor 

3ake  thee." 

"Bless  our  rulers  and  country. 
3s  our  armies  by  aea  and  laud 
— our  officers,    our  soldiers,    our 
Do  thoii  crown    a 
with    victory. 
"  Atiee,  0   Lord,    and    let   thine 
L" 
Forgive  all  my  many  sins,  blot 
i  out  in  the  blood  of  Jesus. 
Living  or  dying,  Lord,  may  I  be 
thin<  all  that    I  ask  i- 

:ike  ot  I  Tim  who*is  my 
;eu. 

R  OF  A  DYING  SOLDIER. 

0  God,  T  beseech  thee  to  look 
a  upon  me  in  thy  great  mei 


4t> 


I  am  about  to  leave  this  world. 
Guilty  and  unworthy  in  myself, 
all  my  hope  for  mercy  is  in  the 
merits  of  Jesus  Christ,  my  bless- 
ed Saviour.  I  would  lay  hold  as 
a  dying  sinner  on  the  precious 
assurance  that  "  he  is  able  to  save 
unto  the  uttermost,  "  and  that 
his  blood  can  wash  away  even 
such  guilt  as  mine. 

Oh,  forgive  all  my  past  iniqui- 
ties, and  let  me  fall  asleep  in 
Jesus,  in  the  blessed  hope  of 
eternal  life.  Give  me  patience 
to  endure  whatever  I  may  have 
yet  to  suffer;  and,  as  I  walk 
through  the  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death,  let  me  fear  no  evil,  feel- 
ing that  thou  art  with  me. 

T  would  especially  commend  to 
thy  gracious  care  and  keeping  all 
my  beloved  relatives  and  friends 
at   home.     We    shall    meet  no 


47 


more  in  this  world  ;  oh,  may  we 
all  meet  before  thy  throne  in 
glory.  Do  thou  bind  up  their 
broken  hearts,  and  give  them 
strength  and  grace  to  sujmiit  to 
thy  will.  Be  thou  their  everlast- 
ing friend  and^  portion.  May 
they  take  comfort  in  thine  own 
gracious  promise — "Leave  thy 
fatherless  children,  I  will  pre- 
serve them  alive;  and  let  thy 
widows  trust  in  me." 

I  pray  for  thy  blessing  on  my 
fellow-soldiers.  I  pray  for  thy 
forgiveness  to  my  enemies.  Pity 
the  wounded,  relieve  the  prison- 
ers, support  the  dying. 

And  now,   Lord,  what  wa 
for.     My  hope  is  in  thee.     Have 
thou  mercy  on  my  soul.     Smooth 
my  death    pillow.     Give  me   a' 
peaceful  entrance  into  the  world 


*  hll 
hallo 

:om    cQine.     Thy     ■ 
<«oj.ic  on  earth  as  it  is 

this  day  our  daily 
(ve  v.s  our  debts,  ^as  v, 
debtors.     And-le^ 
but  <l 


